I’m running for Catron County Commissioner, District 2, because I believe our county deserves leadership that serves everyone fairly, listens to its residents, and is accountable to the people.

Over time, I’ve become increasingly concerned about the harm to the broader community. This includes:

• Unequal access to county resources
• A small group benefiting while others struggle
• Public programs being captured by insiders
• A climate where speaking up leads to punishment
• Everyday residents feeling ignored or dismissed

That’s the kind of environment where people lose trust in local government—and where reform becomes necessary.

One issue that deserves particular attention is retaliation.

Retaliation isn’t just unprofessional behavior. It’s a control strategy.

It discourages whistleblowing.

It isolates reform-minded officials.

It signals to staff and residents that challenging the status quo is dangerous.

It protects those who benefit from the current system.

It creates fear instead of accountability.

When retaliation is paired with inequitable resource distribution, the result is a closed political ecosystem where only a few people benefit and everyone else is expected to stay quiet.

That’s not the kind of county government I believe in.

I believe every resident deserves fair access to county resources, honest and transparent leadership, and the confidence that they can raise concerns without fear of punishment or retaliation.

I’m running because I believe Catron County can do better. Government should work for everyone, not just a select few, and restoring trust starts with accountability, transparency, and leadership that puts the public first.